FRF: Extension of Snap Benefits Distribution Will Lead to Better Food Selection for Floridians

For Immediate Release: March 30, 2016CONTACT: James Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Monthly distribution dates for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program increase from 15 to 28 days starting April 1; FRF’s success in supporting this legislation will lead to expanded food selection for consumers, and better inventory control for retailers

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, and its Florida Grocers Association (FGA) division, remind retailers and SNAP recipients that the monthly distribution dates for the program increase from 15 days to 28 days effective April 1. FRF & FGA were very involved in pushing for this legislation, which took place during the 2015 Legislative Session but takes effect this year, and will significantly benefit both customers and retailers by allowing for better selection, inventory control and customer service. SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with 3.6 million Florida recipients representing close to $5.5 billion in economic impact to the state’s economy.

“This extension of SNAP benefits means recipients will have more access to healthy food and fewer of those important items out of stock by allowing retailers to better spread out their inventory over the 28 days, as opposed to the previous rush that would occur when the schedule was just 15 days,” said FRF President/CEO Randy Miller. “We want to thank Speaker Pro Tempore Matt Hudson for his hard work in recognizing the negative impact this issue had on both consumers and business owners by creating this important legislation and making a positive impact on our communities. We also want to recognize the Department of Children and Families for the seamless implementation of these distribution dates throughout the state.”

Enhanced SNAP distribution increases the number of days SNAP benefits are distributed throughout the state from the current 15 days to 28 days, effective April 1. This will lead to:

Better selection – For many SNAP recipients, transportation to the grocery store can be a challenge, and having items out of stock requires they return for another shopping trip.

Better customer service – By spreading SNAP distribution, grocery stores are able provide better customer service by not having as many customers concentrated in a shorter time frame, thereby providing more help and attention to SNAP Customers.

Better inventory control – Retailers will be able to reduce out of stock items and reduce some of the pressure of having enough products for the SNAP Customer.

More consistent workforce – Previously, retailers had difficulty scheduling properly due to so much concentration of business in the first half of the month.

FRF looks forward to the positive impact this legislation will have on residents and business owners going forward.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.